NAIROBI,Kenya Apr 22 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed confidence in the country’s economy post the Coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected 296 in the country and ravaged businesses countrywide.
In March, the Central Bank revised the economy growth projections initially set at 6.2 percent in 2020 (up from 5.7 percent in 2019) to 3.4 percent owing to the pandemic which has affected the economy.
The slow economy has been signified by reduced demand by Kenya’s main trading partners, disruptions of supply chains and domestic production.
Kenyatta who spoke during an interview with Kiswahili broadcasting stations at State House said his Government has the capability to revive the economy.
“I do not see a problem of us going back to where we were,we have not closed projects because of economy problems, we have been moving on successfully.”
He assured that the government will put in place measures to ensure the economy bounces back.
“I have no doubt that we shall put in place measures after this pandemic to ensure our economy bounces back,” he said
The President further dismissed reports that government was unable to service its debt saying Kenya has never experienced challenges meetings its debt obligation.
“There is no single day the Republic of Kenya has been unable to pay her debts, there is no day we have been unable to pay workers’ salaries,” he said.
He further said the country will not meddle in the ongoing geopolitics especially regarding China-US relations countries and their respective engagements with African countries.
“We are battling a pandemic which did not start in Africa, we shall not meddle in the fight between those who brought this crisis” he said adding that the main focus is on protecting Kenyans during this pandemic which has claimed nearly 180,000 people globally.
“These fights are unfortunate and we are not bothered and not interested, our problem is the country, our citizens and our economy,” he said
“We shall work with those willing to help us in the fight against this pandemic and especially those who will join us in the revival of economy which has been affected by this global pandemic” he remarked.
The tension between China and USA has intensified since the spread of the novel virus with a lot of blame game which has seen the Donald Trump led administration temporarily halt funding to World Health Organisation over its handling of the virus.
